Courage, sacrifice -- San Bernardino stands strong

On December 2, our community changed forever. We find ourselves simultaneously grieving for those lost, praying for loved ones and the injured, while coming to grips with the fact that the threat of terrorism is now a reality here at home. Yet through it all, the people of our region have demonstrated tremendous resilience as we begin to heal and rebuild our future.

We owe much to our brave and vigilant law enforcement, especially San Bernardino Police Chief Jarrod Burguan and his force, for guiding us through this time. Chief Burguan represented calm and resolve at each press briefing as we learned about the terrorists and the dangers that remained. We are fortunate to have him at the helm.

I want to thank the men and women of the San Bernardino Police Department, San Bernardino County Sheriff John McMahon and his officers, Chief Mark Garcia and the Redlands Police Department, and the hundreds of first responders and medical staff who saved so many lives.

Over the last weeks we have heard stories of heroism. San Bernardino County sheriff’s detective Jorge Lozano who assured escaping employees that “I’ll take a bullet before you do” as he led them to safety. Shannon Johnson who lost his life while shielding his coworker from the bullets, telling her “I got you.”

While we may want to forget the moments of fear, we cannot and will not forget the courage and sacrifice shown by many on that day. They are reminders of good in a world that is too often consumed by acts of violence and evil.

To the thousands who have attended vigils and memorial services and reached out to support and comfort all those affected, thank you.